Dry cell



Jan. 8, 1946. I H. R. c. ANTHONY ET AL 2,392,795

DRY CELL 3 sheets-sheet 1 Filed Maron 11, 1940 E CQ jfs/main BY G Jan. 8, 1946. H. R'. c. ANTHONY ET AL 2,392,795-

DRY CELL Filed March 1l, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheetl 2 T OHNE Jan. 8, 1946. H. R. c. ANTHONY ET Al. 2,392,795'

DRY CELL Filed March 11, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 I 1 64 1| "j 153 M "75 u' l- 'E 2: I 170 I I i i j /68 l 174 :1 t j l; i 165 l I l I i 1 f g 164 j I I5 i if i I Y y V the exterior thereof.

Patented Jan. 8, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT0FFICE DRY CELL Herman R. C. Anthony and Henry G. Friang,

Madison, Wis., assignors to Ray-O-Vac Company, a corporation of Wisconsin Application March 11, 1940, Serial No. 323,308

(Cl. 13G-133) Claims.

T'his invention relates to improvements in electrical dry cells, and more particularly to a novel construction therefor which renders the cell more durable and free from liability of leakage and resulting damage to the exterior of the cell and the surrounding parts with which the cell may be associated in use.

With dry cells of this general character it sometimes occurs that the zinc can is partially consumed and corroded during the use of the cell, whereby the walls thereof are actually eaten through so that one or more perforations are formed through which the electrolyte housed within the can is forced or otherwise leaks out Due to the generation of gases within the cell during the period of use, the interior of the cell is frequently under some slight pressure which forces the electrolyte out through the perforations so formed, with the result that the electrolyte does considerable damage to the exterior of the cell as well as to the appliance in which the cell may be used; For instance, with cells used in flashlight casings it sometimes happens that the exuding electrolyte comes in contact with vthe interior of the flashlight casing and does considerable damage to the casing itself and causes the cell to become stuck within the casing whereby it is difficult, if not impossible, to remove the same for replacement without doing greater damage to the casing itself.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a practical, inexpensive and efllcient cell having a protective casing which entirely eliminates the danger of leakage from the cell and the consequent elimination of' the disadvantages which result from such leakage.

As another object, the present invention contemplates the idea of providing a novel battery construction incorporating a dry cell unit provided with a protective housing or casing comprising spaced metal closure members and an interconnecting closure member adapted to embrace the said dry cell unit whereby the said dry cell unit is effectively protected.

Still a further object within the scope ofthe present invention is to provide a novel battery including a dry cell unit and a protective housing of multi-part construction including spaced metal closure members in electrical conducting relation to the electrodes of the said dry cell unit and an interconnected impervious closure member of non-conducting material adapted to embrace .the said dry cell unit and being connected to said spaced metal closure members to provide fluidtight joints therebetween.

More particularly, the present invention includes the idea of providing in a battery construction having a dry'cell unit a protective housing impervious in character to prevent leakage from the battery, and at the same time providing a structure having conducting parts in electrical conducting relation to the electrodes of the said dry cell unit whereby the said battery can be used under the same circumstances as` the dry cell unit alone, yet providing a structure completely enclosing the said dry cell unit to prevent escape of deleterious fluid or the like therefrom.

Other objects, features, capabilities and advantages are comprehended by the invention, as will later appear and as are inherently possessed thereby.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in cross section of a battery made in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the battery shown in Figure 1 of the drawings;

Figures 3 and 4 are fragmentary views in cross section disclosing alternative constructions for the dry cell unit of Figure 1 of the drawings;

Figures 5 to 20 inclusive are fragmentary views in cross section of protective housings for dry cell units showing various modications in the construction thereof which can be used in the manufacture of a battery in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 21 is a view in cross section of a modined construction for a battery made in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 22 is a top plan view of Vthe battery shown in Figure 21 of the drawings.

Referring 'now more in detail to the drawings, an embodiment selected to illustrate the present invention is shown in Figure 1 as comprising a dry cell unit 2 conforming substantially to the conventional type of construction for such a unit y and including a zinc can l having the side wall made integral with the bottom as by way of a drawing operation. Disposed within the said zinc can 4 is an insulating disc 6 on which the core l is mounted in spaced relationto the said zinc can 4 to provide an annular compartment which is lled with a suitable electrolyte IU. The core I is of the usual type of construction, comprising a depolarizing mixture embraced by a suitable wrapping on the outside thereof and in which is centrally embedded a carbon pencil I2 which extends upwardly from the core as disclosed and provides one of the electrodes of the dry cell-unit, the other of said electrodes being constituted by said zinc can or receptacle l.

. As disclosed in the drawings, the zinc can or receptacle 4 is spun inwardly as at 20 about the circumference thereof to provide a seat for a washer 22 of fibrous or other non-conducting material for the purpose to be hereinafter more fully disclosed.

The present invention is particularly directed to the provision of a housing for completely closlng the dry cell unit, and according to the said invention such a housing takes the form of a receptacle of multi-part construction comprising spaced metal closure members 24 and 26 interconnected by a closure wall in the form of a tube 28 of non-conducting material which has a diameter conforming substantially to the outside wise provided with a marginal substantially U- shaped channel portion 30 having the opposed inner and outer walls 3| and 32 interconnected by way of the bottom wall 33, the said wall 3| diameter of the zinc container 4 to receive and y hold the same, and which non-conducting material for said closure wall is impervious to moisture, the connection between the same and the said metal closure members 24 and 26 being such as to provide Huid-tight join'ts therebetween.

According to the present invention, the closure wall 28 may comprise fibrous material such as cardboard, paper or the like, which may be treated by the use of waterproofing materials to make the same impervious to moisture or fiuids. As a further illustration of the construction for said closure Wall, the same may consist of layers of fibrous material with the interfaces of said layers treated with asphalt or any other material which renders the same impervious. Furthermore, an impervious laminated fibrous structure may be provided by the use of Pliofilm or asphalts, as above suggested, in order to provide an impervious and substantially rigid construction.

lThe metal' closure member 24 is interlocked about its marginal edge by way of a joint 21 to the fibrous container 28, which joint involves the interlocking of the two elements together whereby the said fibrous container has an inwardly disposed annular part 25 fully protecting the battery against short-circuiting when placed within a metal container for use. Electrical conducting relation between the dry cell unit and the said plate 24 is effected in part by the marginal edge of the closure member 24 at the joint 21 which is adapted to engage the bottom wall of the zinc container 4, and in part by an annular corrugation 29 struck inwardly'from the plate into engaging relation with the bottom wall of the zinc container 4 whereby the said metal plate 24 serves in the usual capacity of a conducting element for the zinc electrode in devices where one or more of such batteries are used.

The assembly between the bottom closure member 24 and fibrous container 28 can be effected by the formation of the joint 21 by conventional means without the dry cell unit in place, after which the dry cell unit may be introduced into the open end housing and the closure member 26 connected to the fibrous container 28. A particular form of joint is contemplated in accordance with this preferred embodiment to provide an effective joint between the fibrous container 28 and the metal closure element 26 and which can be made without injury to the dry c ell unit, which can be readily provided under all conditions. According to the preferred construction, the metal closure element 26 is stamped or Other' being bent inwardly in respect of the wall 32 to provide an undercut annular shoulder adapted to receive the linturned marginal edge 34 of the fibrous container 28. This marginal edge 34 of the fibrous container may be spun inwardly into the channel 30 and pressed outwardly into interlocking relation with the, undercut wall 3| by means of the split ring 35 which is forced downwardly into the channel member 30 into interlocking engagement with the inturned marginal edge 34 of the fibrous container 28 and the opposed wall 32, the diameter of the said split ring being such as to effectively press the marginal edge 34 of the fibrous container into interlocking relation with the wall 3|. In order to perform this operation of spinning the marginal edge 34 inwardly and to press the said split ring 35 into the position as disclosed without injury to the underlying elements and particularly the dry cell unit, it has been found desirable to incorporate in the assembly a spiral spring 36 interposed between the closure member 24 and the bottom wall of the zinc can 4, which spiral spring tends to provide sufficient resistance to the force applied in effecting the connection between the metal closure member 26 and the fibrous container 28.

The metal'closure member 26 is further provided with an oiiset recess 31 formed in the cap portion 38 which is adapted to receive the upper end of the carbon pencil I2 to provide an effective electrical conducting relation between said carbon pencil I2 and the said closure member 28. Further, if desired the metal closure member 26 may be provided with annular corrugations, such as 39, for reinforcing purposes.

As before mentioned, during the life of the dry cell unit gas is generated within the confines of the zinc housing 4 which is normally received within the air space I8. In order to effectively seal this gas within the dry cell unit which otherwise might displace the sealed closure formed by the poured seal I6 and the washer I4 When pressure is built up to a sufficient amount, which pressure in turn would tend to displace the closure member 26 of the protective housing, constructions for this sealedclosure of the zinc can 4 may take the form as shown in either Figure 3'or 4 of the drawings. Acccording to Figure 3, the zinc can 4 is formed adjacent its upper end to provide an inwardly disposed circumferential channel 46 adapted to receive the insulating washer I4 and to lock the same in place, the marginal edge of the said zinc can being spun inwardly as at 4| to provide an inwardly disposed wall portion adapted to receive and interlock with the poured seal 43.

If desired, the interlocking relation between the insulating washer I4 and the zinc can 4 adjacent its upper marginal edge may be effected in accordance with Figure 4 of the drawings wherein the said can adjacent its upper marginal edge is formed with an inwardly disposed circumferentially extending channel 45 adapted to interlock with the said insulating washer I4, the said upper marginal edge 41 of the can being inwardly disposed as disclosed to provide an interlocking wall for the poured seal 43. c,

From the above description it will be quite been formed to completely enclose the dry cell unit to retain any fluids which may leak from the dry cell unit. The protective housing is of such a construction as to, provide a side wall or closure element which is of non-conducting material, yet impervious, and at the same time providing the end closure members of conducting material in active conducting relation to the electrodes of the dry cell unit whereby the conipleted assembly may be used in exactly the same way in various apparatuses and devices as would the dry cell unit be used alone.4 It is of course understood that closure members 24 and 26 may be formed of any desirable metal, and may be constructed as by way of stamping or the like from terneplate, iron or steel which may be plain or lithographed, as desired.

Although the hereinabove described embodiment discloses a type of construction incorporating a preferred form of connection between the spaced metal closure members and the insulating impervious container or closure member extending therebetween, nevertheless various other forms of joints may be provided to connect the said elements of the protective housing or casing as illustrated in Figures to 20 inclusive. Although the modified forms of joints according to Figures 5 to 20 inclusive disclose the connection between the top metal closure member and said impervious fibrous container or closure member, nevertheless it is to be understood that such joints may be used to connect the bottom metal closure member to the said impervious fibrous receptacle or closure member.

Figure 5 of the drawings discloses the metal closure member 49 with its marginal edge connected to the marginal edge of the fibrous container 53 by the locked seam joint 5I which pro.

vides a fluid-tight and effective connection therebetween.

The embodiment of Figure 6 discloses the metal closure member 42 provided with an annular marginal abutting flange 46 adapted to receive the upper curled marginal edge 48 of the fibrous container 50.

In Figure 7 of the drawings the upper closure member 52 conforms substantially to that shown in Figure 6 of the drawings except that the marginal flange 54 thereof is turned upwardly as at 56 to provide an annular channel adapted to receive the curled marginal edge 48 of the container member 50. l

According to Figure 8 of the drawings, the clorsure member 58 is locked with the container member 60 by the rolled marginal channelshaped flange 62 curled about the inwardly curled marginal edge 64 of the container member 60 and which is embraced by said curled marginal flange 62.

Figure 9 discloses an arrangement wherein the metal closure member 66 is interlocked with the impervious fibrous container 68 at its marginal edge by the locked joint 10, all in accordance with the disclosure of the drawings.

Figure discloses still another form of construction wherein the metal closure member '12 is provided with an annular channel 14 adapted to receive and lock in place the marginal inturned edge 18 of the fibrous container member 'I8-` In accordance with the disclosure of Figure 11 of the drawings, the metal closure member 80 is provided with the downwardly open annular channel 82 whereby the metal is spun onto the upper marginal edge of the fibrous container member 84. l

In Figure 12 of the drawings, the metal closure member 88 is shown as being formed with a member.

depending annular flange 88 adapted to frictionally flt within the openend of the fibrous con' tainer member 90 or, if desired, the metal closure member may be firmly and positively connected to the said container member by the'use of some suitable material adapted to interlock the two surfaces of the container and closure members together, such, for example, as glue or the like.

Figure 13 discloses the metal closure member 92 of a construction similar to that shown in Figure 12 except that 4the marginal flange 84 is of somewhat greater depth and is provided with a plurality of struck-out tabs 96 adapted to become embedded in the fibrous container member 90, it being understood that in accordance with this disclosure material may be used to- Achannel member |06 adapted to embrace the fibrous container member at the joint for holding the same, together with the closure member 98 in place, and to provide a fluid-tight joint.

According to Figure 15 of the drawings, the closure member |08 is provided with a marginal depressed portion H0 providing a flange over which the marginal edge ||2 of the fibrous container member ||4 may be bent to provide a joint between the elements of the protective'housing. If desired, the connection between the parts of the protective housing may be formed as disclosed in Figure 16, wherein the closure member 6 has its marginal edge bent as disclosed to provide the circumferentially disposed open channel portion ||8 which is adapted to receive the inwardly projecting marginal edge |20 of the fibrous container member |22 whereby the metal plate is lockedvwith the said fibrous container Figure 17 discloses a somewhat different construction than those hereinbefore described in that the closure member |24 is of insulating material provided with the depressed marginal flange |26 adapted to receive the marginal and inwardly rolled edge |28 of the fibrous container member |30, the said insulating closure member |24 being formed with a substantially centrally disposed opening |32 adapted to receive and hold a metal cap |34 in position which is adapted to engage with and embrace the carbon pencil of the dry cell unit whereby said cap |34 serves as one of the electrodes for the completely protected cell unit.

In the embodiment disclosed in Figure 18, the metal closure member |36 is formed with depending curved channeled flange |38 adapted to be received within the fibrous container member |40 and` being connected thereto by way of the |48 adapted to receive the upper marginaledge of the Afibrous container member whereby the same are frictionally secured together, it being understood, of course, that ii? other sealing means is desiredas described in connection with Fig ures 12 and 13, such may be used in the said embodiment.

Figure 20 discloses still a further embodiment of the invention wherein the closure member |50 is provided with a marginal oii'set flange |62 similar to the construction shown in Figure 15 of the drawings, which is adapted to receive the inturned end |54 of the iibrous container member |56,.the said connection being further perfected by way of a second metal sheet |58 embracing the substantially centrally disposed cap portion |60 and having its margins in overlapping relation'to the inturned marginal edge |54 of the fibrous container member.

As a further illustration of an embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figurcs 21 and 22 wherein the battery comprises a ldry`cell unit |62 including a zinc can |64 having the side wall made integral with the bottom as by way of a drawing operation. Disposed within the zinc can |64 is an insulating disc |66 upon which the core |68 is mounted in spaced relation to the zinc can |64 to provide an annular comstituted by said zinc can or receptacle |64.

As in the embodiment disclosed in Figure 1, the present invention is more particularly directed to a protective housing for completely enclosing the said dry cell unit to prevent leakage of fluids and the like therefrom while in use. According to this modied construction for a battery, the said protective housing is constituted by an open end container |14 of non-conducting material, such as fibrous material, which may be treated in accordance with the hereinabove disclosure relating to the embodiment of Figure 1, and which open end container is closed by a metal closure disc |16 having its marginal edges interlocked with the said container |14 as at |18 and being provided with an inwardly disposed annular oiset |80 which has electrical contacting relation with the bottom of the zinc can |64. As in the previous illustration, the seam or joint provided between the metal plate |16 and the end of the container |14 is so formed that the marginal edge of container |14 overlaps the closure member |16 and is interiocked therewith to form said joint. yThus the exposed surface of the metal plate |16` has a diameter less than the outside diameter of'the container 14 and the marginal edge thereof is spaced from the marginal surface of said container. Therefore, according to this form of construction, short circuiting of the battery under normal conditions of use is impossible.

In the modified construction according to Figure 21, the ainc can |64 extends upwardly beyond the top of the core |68 and is provided with an inwardly extending circumferentially disposed bead |82 providing a support for an insulating washer |84, which in part provides for a seal at the upper end of the battery construction. As illustrated, the upper end of the container |14 has its marginal edge rolled inwardly over the marginal edge of the zinc can |64 to interlock therewith and to position said protective housing in respect of the said zinc can, the closure means for the upper end of the battery being constituted lin part by sealing material |86 in the form of a wax which can be poured into position upon the sealing washer |84 to interlock the inturned marginal edge oi the container |14 and to provide a hermetic seal for the battery at that point ther perfected by way of a metal cap |88 which embraces the end of the carbon pencil |12 and is overlapped by the sealing material |86 which, when the same sets, provides a permanent and effective sealing means for thedry cell unit. In order to resist downward pressure upon the dry cell unit |62 and associated parts during the formation of the sealing means at the top of the battery, a spiral spring |90 may be interposed between the closure member |16 and the bottom of the zinc can |64, all in-accordance with the embodiment shown .in Figure 1 and hereinbefore described.

According to the arrangement for the battery construction as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the dry cell unit |62 may be constructed as has been practiced in the art. Furthermore, the protective housing may be readily formed in part to include the closure member |16, after which the same may be placed over the dry cell unit and the sealing means effected at the top to provide a fluid-tight protective housing for the battery construction. It will be clearly appreciated thai in accordance with this modified construction for the battery the final step in the construction of the completed device can be readily effected by spinning or otherwise moving the marginal end of the container |14 into embracing relation with the upper end of the zinc can |64 to make ready the device for receiving the sealing material |86. This pouring operation is readily effected, after which the battery is completed to fully protect the dry cell unit and to prevent the loss by leakage of uids from the assembly which have deleterious effects upon the various devicesl with which the same may be used.

, In accordance with the present invention, although the protective housing or casing has been disclosed and described in its operative association with a single dry cell, nevertheless the said invention embraces within its scope various other assemblies incorporating a plurality of such dry cells therein, and accordingly, in the specification and claims where the term dry .cell unit has been used to describe the invention, it is to be understood that such language comprehends one or more of such dry cells in the combination.

While we have herein described and upon the drawings shown illustrative embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may comprehend other constructions, arrangements of parts, de tails and features without departing from the spirit of the invention:

We claim:

1. In a battery, the combination of a dry cell unit, a housing therefor, said housing including a container of fibrous material and a metal closure element therefor, said closure element having a marginal channel portion, said container of fibrous material having its marginal edge overlapping one of the walls of said channel portion and extending into the recess of said channel portion, and a metal ring member disposed in providing a locking shoulder, said container oi' brous material having its marginal edge overlapping said wall and extending into the recess of said channel portion, and a metal ring member disposed in saidv recess and in wedging engage ment with the said marginal edge of said brous container and the opposed Wall of said channel portion for wedging said marginal edge into interlocking relation with said locking shoulder.

3. In a battery, the combination of a dry cell unit having an electrode constituted by a metal container and another electrode disposed within said container and extending beyond the same, said metal container having an inturned open end provided with a seal, a protective casing for said unit comprising a cylindrical closure Wall of non-conducting material embracing said con-4 tainer, opposed top and bottom metal closure members4 connected to said cylindrical closure wall, said bottom closure member having electrical conducting relation with said metal container and being connected to said cylindrical closure wall by an interlocking overlapping `joint providing a seat for said metal container on the interior thereof and being denned exterlorly by an inturned annular marginal insulating strip `formed by said closure wall, said top closure member having an oflset recess embracing said second-named electrode and a marginal recess to receive said closure wall in overlapping relation, a metal ring member disposed in said recess in wedging relation to said closure member and closure Wall, and a positioning member between said inturned open end and the joint formed between said top closure member and said closure wall.

4. A dry-cell comprising: an electrically nonconductive cylindrical shell having its marginal end portions turned inwardly; a metal bottom closure of less diameter than the exterior of said shell and having its marginal portions bent to engage opposite faces and grip firmly the lower marginal end portions of the shell to form a liquid-tight joint therewith; a zinc electrode in said shell making electrical contact with said bottom closure; a centrally disposed carbon electrode with depolarizing mix resting in electrolyte in the shell; and a top closure of less diameter than the exterior of said shell having an ex posed metal top in contact with the carbon electrode and making a liquid-tight joint with the cylindrical shell.

5. A dry-cell as speciiled in claim 4, in which the cylindrical shell is made of fibrous material impregnated with asphalt and the lower end portions of said shell are also turned upwardly and outwardly Within the diameter of the shell and the marginal edge portions of the metal closure are turned downwardly and inwardly to form an interlocking overlapping joint therewith.

HERMAN R. c. ANTHONY. HENRY vG. FRIANG. 

